Utility table and tool storage apparatus for truck beds

Abstract

A utility table and storage apparatus for use in vehicles such as pickup trucks having a truck bed includes three main parts: a main frame, a rail system, and a tool storage system. The main frame is made up of a frame assembly with four collapsible legs. The legs have wheels, and are adjustable in height. The main frame forms the support structure for the work table, the top of which is preferably covered by a 4 ft. by 8 ft. piece of metal, plywood, or other suitable material. When the main frame/table portion is outside the truck bed, it rests on the four legs with the wheels attached, allowing it to be moved around. The rail system consists of three components, the anchor frame, the guide frame, and the transfer frame. The anchor frame is bolted down to the bed of the truck. The guide frame guides the transfer frame during movements of the main frame, and is temporarily bolted to the anchor frame, but can be removed if needed to allow the full use of the truck bed. Bearings such as V-groove cam followers or other sliding mechanisms between the transfer frame and the main frame enable the back and forth motion and pull-out of the table. The tool storage system consists of toolboxes and storage compartments arranged in an orderly manner on the main frame/table.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Not applicable. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not applicable. REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX [0003] Not applicable. TECHNICAL FIELD [0004] The present invention relates generally to storage containers and work surfaces, and more particularly to an improved utility table and storage apparatus for use in vehicles such as pickup trucks having a truck bed. BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART [0005] Many professionals and consumers use a vehicle such as a pickup truck, and may use it for multiple jobs that require transport of tools and / or work tables. Transportation, organization and access to tools and tables can be problematic. For example, some users simply place their tools in the truck bed in different containers, and use wood dividers to prevent the containers from sliding around when the vehicle is in motion. To free the truck bed for other purposes requires that all the t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0023] Tools and materials may be stored securely under the truck bed cover. The tool boxes are bolted to the table and can easily be removed. The table and all its components can quickly be removed from the truck and moved to other locations, like the garage or other storage locations at the site. Once the table is outside the truck, it can be used as a work table or a platform.

[0024] The inventive apparatus thus provides a tool storage arrangement system using multiple storage boxes and containers unique to each trade, or each person's individual need. It

Problems solved by technology

Transportation, organization and access to tools and tables can be problematic.

The same is true with

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